"I have a friend who's setting up a factory in the provincial capital, and it's an opportunity. I'm planning to invest and become a shareholder."
Nan's father's face was a little grim. "How many business partners are reliable these days? Don't dive in headfirst like a barber's cleaver, only to end up with nothing."
Nan Haitao's brow furrowed. "They can run the factory without me, and I had to ask them shamelessly. If I don't make a decision now, I'm afraid I won't have the drive once we have children in a couple of years."
Comfort bred complacency. If he didn't make a decision this time, Nan Haitao knew he might never get another chance.
Nan's father snorted, "You're married now, and we can't manage you forever."
Nan Haitao's wife said softly, "Dad, Mom, I support Haitao's decision. Let him do what he wants. If it doesn't work out, he can come back. I have a job, too."
Nan Haitao tightened his grip on his wife's hand on his lap, a silent thank you.
Having made up his mind, he resigned from his leadership position the next day. His sudden departure from a job he was doing well surprised his supervisor, who tried to persuade him to stay. In the end, they agreed to a six-month leave of absence with pay. If he still felt the same way after that, his resignation would be approved.
After handing over all his duties, Nan Haitao called Chen Lishu and then booked a ticket to the provincial capital.
"Whose call was that?" Gu Xingdong asked casually, holding little Chengzi, as he saw the unmistakable smile on her face.
"It was Nan Haitao. He said he's booked his ticket for tomorrow, so I need to pick him up at the station."
Gu Xingdong raised an eyebrow. "What's he coming here for?"
Chen Lishu replied, "He helped me a lot with buying equipment before. He knows about my factory project, so he resigned to invest."
Gu Xingdong flicked his gaze. "Isn't he the manager of the department store? He resigned so rashly?"
Chen Lishu looked up, and Gu Xingdong's gaze lingered for a moment.
"I was afraid you'd drag him down. You've already borrowed hundreds of thousands yourself. If you need more money, I have it."
Chen Lishu frowned, her suspicion piqued. "Why do I feel like something's a bit off with you today?"
Gu Xingdong's eyes flickered. "Is there?" he asked expressionlessly.
Chen Lishu sat down on the sofa. "It's not about the money. Nan Haitao has experience as a leader, and we've known each other for years. He's not only capable at work, but he's also incredibly loyal. Last time at the Guangzhou trade fair, I needed his help, and he went without a second thought."
Chen Lishu then recounted how she had admired a pair of wide-legged trousers at the trade fair but didn't have enough money to buy the entire batch. A phone call later, Nan Haitao had arrived with the cash.
Gu Xingdong's face twitched. "How come I didn't know about this?"
Chen Lishu suddenly stood up and knelt on the sofa, leaning forward. The man's chiseled, handsome face was right in front of her. She could feel the warmth of his breath, carrying a faint, unique milky scent of a baby.
"Why are you looking at me like that?" For some reason, the usually calm and composed man felt a sense of his thoughts being exposed under her direct gaze, and his heart fluttered inexplicably.
Chen Lishu narrowed her eyes. "You're not jealous, are you?"
Gu Xingdong seemed to have been stung, his ears turning slightly red. "Nonsense!"
They were adults, and he wasn't some twenty-something greenhorn. How could he possibly do something so childish?
Chen Lishu reached out and touched his firm jawline. The blue stubble felt slightly rough.
"Don't worry, you're always the most handsome in my heart. No one can replace your position."
Gu Xingdong was taken aback. Looking at her slightly parted lips, he suddenly bent down and kissed her.
Since they had children, Li Xiulan and Zhao Qiuyue were also present. They couldn't be as unrestrained as before and had to exercise more restraint.
The sound of Zhao Qiuyue stir-frying could be heard from the kitchen. Further away, upstairs, Li Xiulan was lulling Xiaobai to sleep, humming an unknown tune.
Chen Lishu's heart beat a little faster, a mix of tension at the possibility of being discovered and a strange excitement.
As they were engrossed in their kiss, a "crack" suddenly echoed.
Gu Xingdong straightened up, looking at his son, who was giggling foolishly in his arms. A streak of saliva hung from the corner of his mouth, and his expression immediately changed.
"Hahaha." Seeing the father and son locked in a silly gaze, Chen Lishu couldn't help but burst into laughter.
Nan Haitao emerged from the arrival hall and immediately spotted Chen Lishu not far away, along with the man beside her.
The man was tall and dressed in a black shirt and trousers, with neat short hair. His temperament was cool and detached, perfectly complementing his mature and rugged face. Anyone who saw him would be drawn to him.
"I thought you would arrive later," Chen Lishu said with a smile, introducing him. "This is my husband, Gu Xingdong."
She had originally planned to drive herself, but just before leaving, Gu Xingdong suddenly offered to come along. She hadn't refused.
"You're lucky. The train was rarely on time," Nan Haitao said, extending his hand to Gu Xingdong.
Gu Xingdong shook it with a smile, polite yet distant.
Chen Lishu continued, "Let's get in the car. I've booked a hotel for you. We can drop off your luggage, and then we can talk over dinner."
Nan Haitao, being the guest, followed the couple into the car.
After dropping off his things at the hotel and inquiring about Nan Haitao's preferences, the three of them entered a Sichuan restaurant and requested a private room.
After ordering, Chen Lishu remarked with a smile, "I wouldn't have guessed you like spicy food."
Nan Haitao had fair and delicate skin, wore gold-rimmed glasses on his nose, and possessed a gentle demeanor. He looked much younger than his nearly thirty years; some might even mistake him for being in his early twenties.
"My mother likes it, and I've been influenced by her over time."
While they were talking, Nan Haitao's gaze occasionally shifted to the man sitting opposite him.
He sat with his legs spread, leaning back against the chair in a casual posture. His face showed little expression, yet he exuded a strong sense of pressure.
When his gaze swept over again, it was keenly noticed by the man.
Nan Haitao didn't show any sign of awkwardness. Instead, he offered the other man a faint smile.
"Is the baby half a year old yet? Twins are quite rare. I didn't see you holding them when we last met."
Mentioning the children, Chen Lishu's tone softened. "They'll be a year old in September. The twins are quite lively."
"It's good for young children to be active. When can I come to see them? I could use some good luck."
Gu Xingdong listened to their conversation, mostly sitting in silence and rarely interjecting.
He had already made his presence known, and being overly aggressive would appear ungentlemanly.
After dinner, knowing they had important matters to discuss, Gu Xingdong stood up. "I have some company matters to attend to. I apologize for not being able to stay longer. I'll treat you to a drink at my place next time."
Nan Haitao smiled and agreed.
Gu Xingdong looked at Chen Lishu, his smile sickeningly sweet. "Drive safely, or I'll worry."
Chen Lishu shivered, a goosebump appearing on her nonexistent goosebumps. She pulled at the corner of her mouth and said she would.
However, her eyes conveyed a different message: I'll deal with you when we get home.